Abruzzo is the place where Italians go on holiday and it is just the way they like it, off the tourist track and unchanged.It has a wealth of castles and medieval towns, 129 kilometres of sandy beaches, 21 ski areas and one third of the region is designated national and regional parks.
The Martellese, at Villa Maieletta, sits in rolling hills with the dramatic backdrop of the Maiella Mountain range in the Maiella National Park. The Villa is on a quiet country lane close to the historic hill-top town of Palombaro, with unrivalled views of the Abruzzo landscape. It is the most elevated apartment at the Villa and takes full advantage of the views with balconies on three sides, which offer a variety of spectacular vistas from a shady spot at any time of day. The bedroom looks out towards olive groves and the Maiella mountains beyond them. The bedroom environment is delightful, with the finest imported Indian 400 count cotton sheets, white goose down pillows, and embroidered damask bedspreads. An exotic bed canopy completes the scene.
A well-equipped newly fitted modern kitchen, in rustic style, provides a pleasurable environment for food preparation and eating. It is combined with a comfortable lounge and sitting area. We offer packed lunches and vegetarian evening meals, by arrangement.
Live the Italian life. Experience and enjoy the rhythms of rural Italy that surround us from the porchetta van and cafe culture to events celebrating the olive and grape harvests. The festa month of August has an array of unique activities that include a wild boar festival in Pennapiedimonte, Chilli Pepper weekend, the Beer Festival in Limiti (1km down the road) and musical events that extend into September in historic Lanciano. Enjoy one of our Shabby Chic workshops in Autumn or join us for an olive harvesting holiday in November, when you can pick your own olives and return home with the oil from the fruits of your labours. Retire to your apartment to relax and rest in a luxurious environment of classic Italian splendour.
We're situated amidst great cycling, motorcycling and walking country, and offer guided road cycle tours, MTB rides along the historic WWII Gustav Line or Adriatic coast. Mountain bikes are available for the use of guests, and road cycles can be hired nearby. The Giro D'Italia frequently visits the area. Organised tours are also available by chauffer-driven classic car or motor cycle (including bike rental). The area has a significant place in military history, being close to the Gustav & Bernhardt lines, and the site of the Battle of Ortona. Evidence of the conflicts of the time can be found in the form of bullet holes in some of Palombaro's buildings.
On the 3rd weekend in June, the Maiella Fiat 500 rally comes our way, and 60 or so of these iconic Italian cars of the 1960s descend on the historic hill-top town of Casoli. Come on the first weekend in July and enjoy the annual Maiella mountain walk, a 5 hour trek across the peaks above us that's sponsored by local pasta makers, De Cecco. If music's your preference, the internationally-renowned Pescara Jazz festival in July is a short drive away.
Combine a holiday in our stunning location with on-site English language tuition from Kate and Stephen, who are experienced teachers and text book authors. If you're interested in buying a house in the area we can guide you on that as well, using the experiences we've gained and what we've learned.
At Villa Maieletta you can be in the mountains in the morning, on the beach in the afternoon, and dine in the countryside under the stars. The Villa is an ideal retreat for couples, those who love the outdoor life and aficionados of architecture and history. Just perfect, too, for your honeymoon hideaway or a romantic short break.
Further details
Smokers are welcome provided that they smoke outside.
Further details indoors
There is ample crockery, cutlery and glassware. Tea towels are provided, and picnic cool bags for days out.
We know the importance of travelling light and supply a welcome pack of essential items to ensure that your arrival is comfortable whenever you reach us. Beach towels are also supplied, to give you extra room in your suitcase.
The bedroom includes hanging space and a shoe rack in period style, dressing table and chair. There are bedside cabinets with attractive lamps. A classic chandelier provides the centrepiece in both the bedroom and lounge. The apartment features a host of personal touches, including specially designed & hand-painted clothes hangers.
Hallmark Christy towels are provided to complement the four piece bathroom suite, which is carefully steam-cleaned ready for your arrival.
Further details outdoors
Furniture is provided for each outdoor sitting area.
A utility room next to the apartments has washing machines, an iron and ironing board. A clothes drying rail is provided for every apartment. Beach towels are supplied, to give you extra room in your suitcase.
An "agroturismo" restaurant, which serves food produced almost entirely on its own land, is only 3 minutes walk from the Villa. A five-a-side football and tennis court are available there for the use of our guests .
There's a BBQ in the Villa grounds that's perfect for cooking al fresco, along with a newly-built gazebo next to, which provides the ideal shady spot to take in the panoramic views that surround us.
